NCJ Number
126911
Journal
Criminal Law Bulletin Volume: 26 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1990) Pages: 483-508
Date Published
1990
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines structure the sentencing discretion of the trial judge and change the way practitioners must look at sentencing consequences in general and their plea bargaining discretion and options in particular.
Abstract
The authors provide an overview of the workings of the Guidelines and discuss in detail the use of the defendant's "relevant conduct" in determining offense level in sentencing. They also consider the informed plea of guilty (i.e., the information the defendant must have on the impact of the Guidelines on his plea). The article notes two areas, acceptance of responsibility and providing of substantial assistance to the authorities, where counsel may urge a reduced sentence for a defendant. 88 notes (Author abstract)